Located on the Broadsound Range in central Queensland, the Clarke Creek Wind Farm Project combines wind, solar, and large-scale battery energy storage to provide clean, renewable energy to the region.
As a leading consultant in the field of renewable energy, we are proud to have supported the development of the wind farm component of this large-scale project. From the feasibility stage through to construction, we worked closely with the developers to overcome a range of challenges and ensure the successful delivery of the project.
One of the key challenges we faced was the size and complexity of the site, which spans more than 75,000 hectares and crosses multiple properties. Access to the site was limited, with little information available about existing tracks. To overcome this, our team of ecologists camped on the site during surveys, gathering information about tracks and sharing this with other contractors and our client.
Best practise approach to managing birds and bats
Our team played an important role in addressing regulatory challenges associated with the project. We met with Queensland’s State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) to share our experiences with wind farms across Australia and provide insights into best practice approaches to managing bird and bat populations.
We were also invited to present to a number of Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE) officers in Canberra, helping to progress their understanding of bird and bat management best practices and ensure more consistency in advice and determinations.
State Assessment and Referral Agency panel
Through our work on the Clarke Creek Wind Project, we have established a close working relationship with our clients and become a trusted partner in the development of wind farms across Australia. We are proud to have been part of this ground-breaking project and continue to provide ongoing support and expertise to our clients in the renewable energy sector.
As a result of our work on the project, we have been invited to join SARA’s expert panel, providing peer reviews of wind farm applications against the requirements of Wind Farm State Code 23.
We are committed to sharing our expertise and knowledge to promote the responsible and sustainable development of wind farms and other renewable energy projects across the country.
The Clarke Creek Wind Project represents a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future. We are proud to have played a key role in this project and look forward to continuing to support the development of renewable energy projects that will help to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Contact Nick Graham-Higgs to learn more about developing renewable energy projects in Australia.
